The inaugural Urban BBQ Festival is set to take place at McClean Park, Napier, on Saturday November 28. Photo / File
With summer just around the corner, what better way to kick off barbeque season than with Hawke's Bay's inaugural Urban BBQ Festival.
The festival, aimed at meat lovers of all ages, will aim to equip attendees with the tools to take their barbecuing to the next level.
Set to take place at McLean Park, Napier, on Saturday November 28, the one-day festival will offer live demonstrations and expert advice from some of New Zealand's top pitmasters.
Experts will aim to teach those in attendance how to produce everything from a helluva juicy brisket to succulent pork ribs, along with other tips and tricks on the Demo Stage.
Festival organiser Jim Poppelwell said a combination of high-quality ingredients and highly skilled pitmasters create the perfect setting for the Hawke's Bay festival.
"We are incredibly lucky to have a strong BBQ culture here in the Bay, with some of the country's most highly rated pitmasters living right here in Napier," he said.
"Combine that with the quality ingredients we produce and we thought holding an event like this just had to be done."
Live music will also be on offer, courtesy of the Music Stage, with sets from Folk Yeah Duo, Jack Knife Beat and Dusty Rhodes and the Bluesmobile.
A craft bar, IPA tent, axe throwing, chilli eating competition and more will also be on offer.
Co-organiser Beth Elstone said the festival is a chance for locals to sample the very best Hawke's Bay has to offer when it comes to low and slow or hot and fast barbeques.
"In a nutshell, this is an afternoon where you can come out and learn about BBQ whilst enjoying a few cold ones with your friends," she said.
Poppelwell said a "hearty appetite and a mean thirst" is all you'll need.
"By the end of the day you'll leave full of BBQ food, BBQ know how, and with a fresh enthusiasm for getting your grill on."
The family-friendly event will run from noon until 6pm under the Harris Stand at McLean Park, with tickets on sale now.